Dual stage energy activation for electrosurgical shears

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a handle assembly, and an electrode activation assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, a knife, and an electrode assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, and an arm. The arm can pivot the second jaw between the open position and the closed position. The arm can pivot relative to the housing between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The electrode activation assembly includes an activation button associated with the handle assembly, a resilient body, and a detent associated with either the housing or the arm. The activation button can activate the electrode assembly in response to the arm pivoting to the third position. The resilient body includes a first cam feature. The detent can engage the first cam feature as the arm pivots between the first position and the second position.

BACKGROUND

A variety of surgical instruments include one or more elements thattransmit RF energy to tissue (e.g., to coagulate or seal the tissue).Some such instruments comprise a pair of jaws that open and close ontissue, with conductive tissue contact surfaces that are operable toweld tissue clamped between the jaws. In open surgical settings, somesuch instruments may be in the form of forceps having a scissor grip.

In addition to having RF energy transmission elements, some surgicalinstruments also include a translating tissue cutting element. Anexample of such a device is the ENSEAL® Tissue Sealing Device by EthiconEndo-Surgery, Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio. Further examples of suchdevices and related concepts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,176entitled “Electrosurgical Systems and Techniques for Sealing Tissue,”issued Dec. 31, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,201 entitled “ElectrosurgicalInstrument and Method of Use,” issued Sep. 26, 2006, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,409,entitled “Electrosurgical Working End for Controlled Energy Delivery,”issued Oct. 24, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,146 entitled “ElectrosurgicalProbe and Method of Use,” issued Jan. 30, 2007, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,253, entitled“Electrosurgical Jaw Structure for Controlled Energy Delivery,” issuedMar. 6, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,189,233, entitled “Electrosurgical Instrument,”issued Mar. 13, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,951, entitled “Surgical SealingSurfaces and Methods of Use,” issued May 22, 2007, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,849,entitled “Polymer Compositions Exhibiting a PTC Property and Methods ofFabrication,” issued Dec. 18, 2007, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,709, entitled“Electrosurgical Instrument and Method of Use,” issued Dec. 25, 2007,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat.No. 7,354,440, entitled “Electrosurgical Instrument and Method of Use,”issued Apr. 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 7,381,209, entitled “ElectrosurgicalInstrument,” issued Jun. 3, 2008, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

Additional examples of electrosurgical cutting instruments and relatedconcepts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,939,974, entitled “SurgicalInstrument Comprising First and Second Drive Systems Actuatable by aCommon Trigger Mechanism,” issued Jan. 27, 2015, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,161,803, entitled“Motor Driven Electrosurgical Device with Mechanical and ElectricalFeedback,” issued Oct. 20, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,877,720, entitled “Control Featuresfor Articulating Surgical Device,” issued Jan. 30, 2018, the disclosureof which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,402,682,entitled “Articulation Joint Features for Articulating Surgical Device,”issued Aug. 2, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 9,089,327, entitled “Surgical Instrumentwith Multi-Phase Trigger Bias,” issued Jul. 28, 2015, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,545,253,entitled “Surgical Instrument with Contained Dual Helix ActuatorAssembly,” issued Jan. 17, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein.

Some versions of electrosurgical instruments that are operable to severtissue may be selectively used in at least two modes. One such mode mayinclude both severing tissue and coagulating tissue. Another such modemay include just coagulating tissue without also severing the tissue.Yet another mode may include the use of jaws to grasp and manipulatetissue without also coagulating and/or severing the tissue. When aninstrument includes grasping jaws and tissue severing capabilities, theinstrument may also include a feature that ensures full closure of thejaws before the tissue is severed and/or before the electrodes areactivated.

While various kinds of surgical instrument have been made and used, itis believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used theinvention described in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly pointout and distinctly claim this technology, it is believed this technologywill be better understood from the following description of certainexamples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary electrosurgicalforceps instrument, where an end effector is in a closed position, wherea resilient arm is in a relaxed position;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 1 in anopened position, where a translating knife is in a proximal position;

FIG. 3A depicts a side elevational view of the electrosurgical forcepsinstrument of FIG. 1, where the end effector is in the opened position,where the resilient arm is in the relaxed position, and where thetranslating knife of FIG. 2 is in the proximal position;

FIG. 3B depicts a side elevational view of the electrosurgical forcepsinstrument of FIG. 1, where the end effector is in the closed position,where the resilient arm is in the relaxed position, and where thetranslating knife of FIG. 2 is in the proximal position;

FIG. 3C depicts a side elevational view of the electrosurgical forcepsinstrument of FIG. 1, where the end effector is in the closed position,where the resilient arm is in a flexed position, and where thetranslating knife of FIG. 2 is in the proximal position;

FIG. 3D depicts a side elevational view of the electrosurgical forcepsinstrument of FIG. 1, where the end effector is in the closed position,where the resilient arm is in the flexed position, and where thetranslating knife of FIG. 2 is in a distal position;

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 1,taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, where the translating knife of FIG. 2 isin the proximal position;

FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 1,taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, where the translating knife of FIG. 2 isin the distal position;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary electrosurgicalforceps instrument, where an end effector is in a closed position, andwhere a resilient arm is in a relaxed position;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 5 in anopen position;

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded perspective view of a handle assembly of theinstrument of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8A depicts a side elevational view of the instrument of FIG. 5,with a portion of the handle assembly of FIG. 7 omitted for clarity,where a firing assembly is in a pre-fired position;

FIG. 8B depicts a side elevational view of the instrument of FIG. 5,with a portion of the handle assembly of FIG. 7 omitted for clarity,where the firing assembly of FIG. 8A is in a fired position;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an activation assembly of theinstrument of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a portion of the instrument ofFIG. 5, with a portion of the handle assembly of FIG. 7 omitted forclarity, where the resilient arm is in a relaxed position, where theactivation assembly of FIG. 9 is in a deactivated configuration, whereina thumb ring engagement assembly of the activation assembly is in afirst position;

FIG. 11A depicts a cross-sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 5,taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5, where the resilient arm is in arelaxed position, where the activation assembly of FIG. 9 is in thedeactivated configuration, where the thumb ring engagement assembly ofFIG. 10 is in the first position

FIG. 11B depicts a cross-sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 5,taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5, where the resilient arm is pivoted toinitially contact the thumb ring engagement assembly of FIG. 10, wherethe activation assembly of FIG. 9 is in the deactivated configuration,where the thumb ring engagement assembly is in the first position;

FIG. 11C depicts a cross-sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 5,taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5, where the resilient arm is furtherpivoted into a flexed position, where the activation assembly of FIG. 9is in the deactivated configuration, where the thumb ring engagementassembly of FIG. 10 is flexed into a second position;

FIG. 11D depicts a cross-sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 5,taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5, where the resilient arm is furtherpivoted in the flexed position into engagement with activation assemblyof FIG. 9, where the activation assembly is in the deactivatedconfiguration, where the thumb ring engagement assembly of FIG. 10 is inthe first position;

FIG. 11E depicts a cross-sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 5,taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5, where the resilient arm is furtherpivoted in the flexed position into further engagement with theactivation assembly of FIG. 9, where the activation assembly is in theactivated configuration, where the thumb ring engagement assembly ofFIG. 10 is in the first position;

FIG. 11F depicts a cross-sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 5,taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5, where the resilient arm is pivoted inthe flexed position away from engagement with the activation assembly ofFIG. 9, where the activation assembly is in the deactivatedconfiguration, where the thumb ring engagement assembly of FIG. 10 isflexed into the second position;

FIG. 11G depicts a cross-sectional view of the instrument of FIG. 5,taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5, where the resilient arm is pivotedinto the relaxed position away from engagement with the activationassembly of FIG. 9, where the activation assembly is in the deactivatedconfiguration, where the thumb ring engagement assembly of FIG. 10 is inthe first position;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a distal portion of an alternativehandle assembly and end effector that may be readily incorporated intothe instrument of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13A depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the distalportion of the handle assembly and end effector of FIG. 12, taken alongline 13-13 of FIG. 12, where the end effector is in an openedconfiguration; and

FIG. 13B depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the distalportion of the handle assembly and end effector of FIG. 12, taken alongline 13-13 of FIG. 12, where the end effector is in a closedconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the technology shouldnot be used to limit its scope. Other examples, features, aspects,embodiments, and advantages of the technology will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description, which is by wayof illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out thetechnology. As will be realized, the technology described herein iscapable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departingfrom the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions shouldbe regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

I. Overview of Exemplary Electrosurgical Forceps

As previously noted, an electrosurgical instrument may include a set ofjaws, with at least one of the jaws being pivotable relative to theother jaw to selectively compress tissue between the jaws. Once thetissue is compressed, electrodes in the jaws may be activated withbipolar RF energy to seal the tissue. In some instances, a cuttingfeature is operable to sever tissue that is clamped between the jaws.For instance, the cutting feature may be actuated before or after the RFenergy has sealed the tissue. Various references that are cited hereinrelate to electrosurgical instruments where the jaws are part of an endeffector at the distal end of an elongate shaft, such that the endeffector and the shaft may be inserted through a port (e.g., a trocar)to reach a site within a patient during a minimally invasive endoscopicsurgical procedure. A handle assembly may be positioned at the proximalend of the shaft for manipulating the end effector. Such a handleassembly may have a pistol grip configuration or some otherconfiguration.

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide an electrosurgicalinstrument that does not have an elongate shaft or handle assemblysimilar to those described in the various references cited herein. Inparticular, it may be desirable to provide an electrosurgical instrumentthat is configured similar to a forceps device, with a scissor grip.Such instruments may be used in a variety of medical procedures. Variousexamples of electrosurgical shears/forceps devices are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 9,610,144, entitled “Electrosurgical Hand Shears,” filed Jan.29, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.Various other examples of electrosurgical forceps instruments will bedescribed in greater detail below; while other examples will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

FIGS. 1-4B show an exemplary electrosurgical forceps instrument (100).Instrument (100) includes a handle assembly (130) extending distallyinto an end effector (110). As will be described in greater detailbelow, instrument (100) may be used to grasp, seal, and sever tissuecaptured by end effector (110).

End effector (110) includes a first jaw (112) having a first electrode(113), a second jaw (114) having a second electrode (115), and a knife(120) configured to translate through the first jaw (112) and the secondjaw (114). First jaw (112) and second jaw (114) are pivotably coupledwith each other via pivot pin (118). First jaw (112) and second jaw(114) may pivot between an open position (FIG. 2) and a closed position(FIG. 1) in order to grasp tissue. First and second electrodes (113,115) are positioned on respective jaws (112, 114) such that electrodes(113, 115) face each other when jaws (112, 114) are pivoted into theclosed position. Additionally, each electrode (113, 115) is U-shaped inthe present example, with the bend of the U-shape located near thedistal end of each respective jaw (112, 114), such that each electrode(113, 115) includes two longitudinally extending, laterally spaced-apartlegs extending along the length of each respective jaw (112, 114).Laterally spaced-apart legs of each electrode (113, 115) andcorresponding portions of jaws (112, 114) define an elongate slot (116).Elongate slot (116) is dimensioned to slidably receive knife (120) suchthat knife may translate from a proximal position (FIG. 4A) to a distalposition (FIG. 4B). Knife (120) includes a distal cutting edge (122)configured to sever tissue captured between jaws (112, 114) in theclosed position.

A cable (102) extends proximally from handle assembly (130). Cable (102)is coupled with a control unit (104), which is further coupled with apower source (106). Power source (106) may power control unit (104).Control unit (104) is operable to provide RF power to electrodes (113,115) of jaws (112, 114), to thereby seal tissue suitably capturedbetween jaws (112, 114).

Handle assembly (130) includes a housing (132), and a resilient arm(134). Housing (132) contains an electrode activation assembly (140) anda firing assembly (150). Housing (132) and resilient arm (134) arepivotably coupled with each other via pivot pin (118). Housing (132)extends distally into first jaw (112), while resilient arm (134) extendsdistally into second jaw (114). Housing (132) defines a knife pathway(124) that slidably houses knife (120). Housing (132) includes a fingerring (136) while resilient arm (134) terminates proximally into a thumbring (138). Therefore, the operator may grasp instrument (100) in ascissor grip fashion and pivot resilient arm (134) relative to housing(132) via rings (136, 138) in order to open and close jaws (112, 114).

Resilient arm (134) is sufficiently resilient that arm (134) may flexfrom a relaxed position (FIG. 3B) to a flexed position (FIG. 3C) inresponse to pivoting arm (134) further toward housing (132) when jaws(112, 114) are already in the closed position. Resilient arm (134) isbiased toward the relaxed position. Further pivoting of resilient arm(134) into the flexed position may result in greater closure forcesbetween jaws (112, 114) as compared to pivoting jaws (112, 114) into theclosed position while arm (134) is in the relaxed position. Resilientarm (134) may be suitably resilient such that when resilient arm (134)is pivoted into the flexed position, the closure force between jaws(112, 114) is sufficient such that electrodes (113, 115) may properlyseal tissue grasped between jaws (112, 114). Additionally, the resilientnature of arm may limit the amount of closure force between jaws (112,114) such that jaws (112, 114) may not compress tissue too much,resulting in inadvertent tissue damage. When the operator no longerdesires to compress tissue between jaws (112, 114) to properly sealclamped tissue, the operator may reduce the amount of closure forceapplied to resilient arm (134) such that arm (134) returns to therelaxed state.

Housing (132) slidingly supports an RF trigger (142) of electrodeactivation assembly (140). RF trigger (142) is in communication withcontrol unit (104). RF trigger (142) may be pressed or actuated tocommand control unit (104) to supply RF energy to electrodes (113, 115)of end effector (110). RF trigger (142) may electrically couple withcontrol unit (104) through any suitable components known to a personhaving ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As will be described in greater detail below, firing assembly (150) isconfigured to actuate knife (120) within jaws (112, 114) from a proximalposition to a distal position in order to sever tissue captured betweenjaws (112, 114). Previous firing assemblies for electrosurgical forcepsmay have had a trigger that was a lever arm configured to rotaterelative to a handle assembly to actuate a knife. The lever arm may haveextended away from the handle assembly in order to provide a mechanicaladvantage for actuating knife within jaws (112, 114). However, whenlever arm extends away from handle assembly, it may become difficultrotate lever arm when instrument is flipped such that thumb ring becomesfinger rings and vice versa. In such instances when instrument isflipped, the lever arm may no longer associate with the index/middlefinger for actuating the lever arm.

Therefore, it may be desirable to have a compact firing assembly with atrigger close to the center of housing such that it is easy to actuatefiring assembly with the same finger(s), even when instrument isflipped. Firing assembly (150) of the current example includes a knifetrigger (152) slidably coupled with housing (132) via a slot (135).Trigger (152) is close to the center of housing (132) such that trigger(152) may be easily accessed regardless if instrument (100) is flippedaround. Trigger (152) may actuate relative to housing (132) in order toactuate a knife (120) of end effector (110). In particular, proximaltranslation of trigger (152) results in distal translation of knife(120), while distal translation of trigger (152) results in proximaltranslation of knife (120). Trigger (152) may be biased toward thedistal position such that knife (120) is biased toward the proximalposition.

Trigger (152) may be coupled with knife (120) through any suitablyfiring mechanism assembly as would be apparent to one having ordinaryskill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should beunderstood that trigger (152) may be selectively actuated at anysuitable time the operator desires. For instance, the operator may grasptissue by pivoting jaws (112, 114) to the closed position, wait adesired amount of time, and fire trigger (152) to actuate knife (120)and sever tissue. Alternative, the operator may grasp tissue by pivotingjaws (112, 114), release tissue if jaws (112, 114) are notsatisfactorily grasping tissue, re-grasp tissue, and then fire trigger(152) to actuate knife (120) and sever tissue.

FIGS. 3A-4B show an exemplary operation of instrument (100). FIG. 3Ashows jaws (112, 114) of end effector (110) in the opened position.Therefore, resilient arm (134) is pivoted away from housing (132). Asshown in FIG. 3B, when the operator desires to initially grasp andmanipulate tissue, the operator may pivot resilient arm (134) towardhousing (132) such that jaws (112, 114) are pivoted toward the closedposition while resilient arm (134) remains in the relaxed position. Withjaws (112, 114) pivoted toward the closed position, the operator maymanipulate tissue grasped by jaws (112, 114). It should be understoodthat the closure forces imparted on tissue by jaws (112, 114) at thispoint may not be sufficient enough for suitable sealing of tissue via RFenergy provided by electrodes (113, 115).

Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, if the operator desires to apply RF energy tograsped tissue, the operator may further pivot resilient arm (134)toward housing (132) such that resilient arm bends to the flexedposition. As this point, the closure forces imparted on tissue by jaws(112, 114) is sufficient for proper sealing. The operator may thenactuate RF trigger (142) such that electrodes (113, 115) provide RFenergy to grasped tissue. Next, as shown between FIGS. 3C-3D and 4A-4B,the operator may desire to sever tissue captured between jaws (112,114). Therefore, the operator may actuate trigger (152) proximally asshown between FIGS. 3C-3D such that knife (120) actuates distally asshown between FIGS. 4A-4B. Cutting edge (122) may sever tissue capturesbetween jaws (112, 114) as knife (120) actuates distally throughelongate slot (116).

While in the current example, the operator applies RF energy to graspedtissue and then subsequently severs the tissue, the operator mayalternatively sever grasped tissue first, then apply RF energy to thetissue as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art inaccordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, the operator mayonly seal grasped tissue by applying RF energy, without severing thetissue, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art inaccordance with the teachings herein. Alternately, the operator may onlysever grasped tissue, without sealing the tissue, as would be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art in accordance with the teachingsherein. Alternatively, the operator may just grasp tissue, withoutsevering or sealing the tissue, as would be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art in accordance with the teachings herein.

II. Alternative Exemplary Electrosurgical Forceps with Two-Stage EnergyActivation

As mentioned above, electrode trigger (142) is slidably coupled on theexterior of housing (132) such that the operator may actuate electrodetrigger (142) with an available finger in order to provide RF energy toelectrodes (113, 115) during exemplary use. In some instances, electrodetrigger (142) may make electrode activation assembly (140) difficult orawkward to use. As one example, electrode trigger (142) may take up anundesirable amount of space on the exterior of housing (132) such thatthe operator may accidentally actuate electrode trigger (142). Asanother example, electrode trigger (142) may be placed at a locationalong housing (132) such that the operator may have difficulty reachingtrigger (142) while sufficiently grasping tissue in accordance with thedescription herein.

As also mentioned above, resilient arm (134) may flex toward housing(132) when jaws (112, 114) are in the closed position to provide greaterclosure forces between jaws (112, 114). The closure forces provided byflexing resilient arm (134) may help activated electrodes (113, 115)properly seal tissue grasped between jaws (112, 114). During exemplaryuse, if the operator fails to generate enough closure force while jaws(112, 114) are in the closed position, electrodes (113, 115) may fail toproperly seal tissue grasped between jaws (112, 114).

It may be desirable to provide an activation assembly configured toactivate electrodes (113, 115) without the use of an independentlyactuated electrode trigger (142). It may be desirable to have an energyactivation button that would be activated whenever the operator pivotsresilient arm (134) to the position associated with jaws (212, 214)clamping tissue sufficient closure force to proper seal tissue graspedbetween jaws (212, 214). Further, it may be desirable to have anactivation assembly configured to provide tactile response to theoperator that further pivoting of resilient arm (134) will activateelectrodes (213, 215), as well as a second tactile response to theoperator that indicates resilient arm (134) has indeed activatedelectrode (213, 215).

While various examples of RF activation assemblies are described below,it should be understood various combinations or modifications may bemade to such RF activation assemblies as would be apparent to one havingordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative exemplary electrosurgical forceps instrument(200) that may be used in replacement of instrument (100) describedabove. Therefore, as will be described in greater detail below,instrument (200) may be used to grasp, seal, and sever tissue.Instrument (200) includes an end effector (210), a handle assembly(230), a firing assembly (250), and an electrode activation assembly(260). End effector (210) is substantially similar to end effector (110)described above, with differences elaborated below. End effector (210)includes a first jaw (212) having a first electrode (213), a second jaw(214) having a second electrode (215), and a knife (220) configured totranslate through the first jaw (212) and the second jaw (214).

First jaw (212) and second jaw (214) are pivotably coupled with eachother via pivot pin (218). First jaw (212) and second jaw (214) maypivot between an open position (FIG. 14A) and a closed position (FIG.14B) in order to grasp tissue. First and second electrodes (213, 215)are positioned on respective jaws (212, 214) such that electrodes (213,215) face each other when jaws (212, 214) are pivoted into the closedposition. Additionally, each electrode (213, 215) is U-shaped in thepresent example, with the bend of the U-shape located near the distalend of each respective jaw (212, 214), such that each electrode (213,215) includes two longitudinally extending, laterally spaced-apart legsextending along the length of each respective jaw (212, 214). Laterallyspaced-apart legs of each electrode (213, 215) and correspondingportions of jaws (212, 214) define an elongate slot (216). Elongate slot(216) is dimensioned to slidably receive knife (220) such that knife maytranslate from a proximal position to a distal position, similar toknife (120) described above. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, knife(220) includes a distal cutting edge (222) configured to sever tissuecaptured between jaws (212, 214) in the closed position.

A cable (202) extends proximally from handle assembly (230). Similar tocable (102) of instrument (100), cable (202) is configured to couplewith control unit (104), which is further coupled with a power source(106). Therefore, control unit (104) is operable to provide RF power toelectrodes (213, 215) of jaws (212, 214), to thereby seal tissuesuitably captured between jaws (212, 214).

Handle assembly (230) includes a housing (232) and a resilient arm(234). Housing (232) and resilient arm (234) are substantially similarto housing (122) and resilient arm (134) described above, withdifferences elaborated below. Housing (232) and resilient arm (234) arepivotably coupled with each other via pivot pin (218). Housing (232)extends distally into first jaw (212), while resilient arm (234) extendsdistally into second jaw (214). Housing defines a knife pathway (224)that slidably houses a portion of knife (220). Housing (232) includes afinger ring (236) while resilient arm (234) terminates proximally into athumb ring (238). Therefore, the operator may grasp instrument (200) ina scissor grip fashion and pivot resilient arm (234) relative to housing(232) via rings (236, 238) in order to open and close jaws (212, 214).Thumb ring (238) include a set of laterally presented detents (239).

Resilient arm (234) is sufficiently resilient such that arm (234) mayflex from a relaxed position to a flexed position in response topivoting arm (234) further toward housing (232) when jaws (212, 214) arealready in the closed position (similar to resilient arm (134) shown inFIGS. 3B-3C). Resilient arm (234) is biased toward the relaxed position.Further pivoting of resilient arm (234) into the flexed position mayresult in greater closure forces between jaws (212, 214) as compared topivoting jaws (212, 214) into the closed position while arm (234) is inthe relaxed position. Resilient arm (234) may be suitably resilient suchthat when resilient arm (234) is pivoted into the flexed position, theclosure force between jaws (212, 214) is sufficient such that electrodes(213, 215) may properly seal tissue grasped between jaws (212, 214).Additionally, the resilient nature of arm (234) may limit the amount ofclosure force between jaws (212, 214) such that jaws (212, 214) may notcompress tissue too much, resulting in inadvertent tissue damage. Whenthe operator no longer desires to compress tissue between jaws (212,214) to properly seal or sever clamped tissue, the operator may reducethe amount of closure force applied to resilient arm (234) such that arm(234) returns to the relaxed position.

Housing (232) contains firing assembly (250) and electrode activationassembly (260). Firing assembly (250) is configured to actuate knife(220) between the proximal position and the distal position (Similar toknife (120) as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B) in response to proximal translationof knife trigger (251) within slot (235). Electrode activation assembly(260) is configured to selectively activate electrodes (213, 215).

As will be described in greater detail below, thumb ring (238) ofresilient arm (234) and electrode activation assembly (260) areconfigured to activate electrodes (213, 215) when resilient arm (234) isin the flexed position. Additionally, laterally presented detents (239)of thumb ring (238) are dimensioned to interact with selected potions ofactivation assembly (260) which may help prevent accidental activationof electrodes (213, 215). Additionally, laterally presented detents(239) of thumb ring (238) may be dimensioned to interact with selectedpotions of activation assembly (260) in order to indicate to theoperator that thumb ring (238) is directly adjacent to a translatingbody (262) of activation assembly (260) such that further flexing ofresilient arm (234) may activate electrodes (213, 215). As will also bedescribed in greater detail below, detents (239) may be configured toabut against selected portions of activation assembly (260) whileresilient arm (234) is directly adjacent to translating body (262) inorder to help reduce the force required to maintain resilient arm (234)in the flexed position.

Firing assembly (250) of the current example include a knife trigger(251) slidably coupled with housing (232) via slot (235), an input rack(252), a rotary drive assembly (256), and an output rack (258). Inputrack (252) is slidably housed within housing (232). In particular, inputrack (252) is associated with knife trigger (251) such that movement ofknife trigger (251) in one direction may lead to movement of input rack(252) in the same direction. Rotary drive assembly (256) is rotatablycoupled with housing (232) such that rotary drive assembly (256) mayrotate relative to housing (232), but rotary drive assembly (256) maynot translate relative to housing (232). Output rack (258) slidablyhoused within housing (232). In particular, output rack (258) isassociated with knife (220) such that movement of output rack (258)drives movement of knife (220).

Input rack (252) meshes with a portion of rotary drive assembly (256),while output rack (258) also meshes with the opposite end of rotarydrive assembly (256). FIG. 8A shows firing assembly (250) in a positionassociated with knife (220) being in the pre-fired position. If theoperator desires to fire knife (220) through jaws (212, 214) while jaws(212, 214) are in the closed position in accordance with the descriptionherein, the operator may proximally drive knife trigger (251) such thatinput rack (252) is also driven proximally. As shown in FIG. 8B, inputrack (252) may rotate rotary drive assembly (256) in a first angulardirection, causing rotary drive assembly (256) to actuate output rack(258) and knife (220) distally such that knife (220) actuates distallywithin jaws (212, 214) toward the fired position. In other words,proximally translation of knife trigger (251) is configured to distallyfire knife (220). Knife trigger (251) or input rack (252) may be biasedtoward the distal position shown in FIG. 8A such that after the operatoractuates knife trigger (251) proximally to fire knife (220), theoperator may let go of knife trigger (251) such that input rack (252)rotates rotary drive assembly (256) in the second, opposite, angulardirection, thereby driven output rack (258) and knife (220) proximallyinto the pre-fired position. results in distal translation of knife(220).

While firing assembly (250) of the current example includes a rack andpinion configuration, any suitable firing assembly may be used inreplacement of firing assembly (250) described above that would beapparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein.

As mentioned above, electrode activation assembly (260) is configured toselectively activate electrodes (213, 215). Electrode activationassembly (260) includes a translating body (262) contained withinhousing (232), a biasing member (268), a tactile activation button (265)fixed within the interior of housing (232), and a thumb ring engagementassembly (270).

Activation button (265) is in communication with a circuit board (208)via electrical coupling wires (205); while circuit board (208) is alsoin communication with at least one electrode (213, 215) via electricalcoupling wires (205). In the present example, circuit board (208) iscontained within housing (232). Circuit board (208) is in communicationwith cable (202) such that circuit board (208) and control unit (104)are in electrical communication with each other. Therefore, circuitboard (208) is configured to transfer RF energy from control unit (104)to electrodes (213, 215). In particular, activation button (265) isconfigured to instruct circuit board (208) to transfer RF energy fromcontrol unit (104) to electrodes (213, 215) when buttons (265) aredepressed. Tactile activation button (265) is also configured to providea tactile response when depressed in order to indicate to the operatorthat RF energy is being transferred from control unit (104) toelectrodes (213, 215). While in the current example, circuit board (208)acts as an intermediary between control unit (104), electrodes (213,215), and button (265), this is merely optional, as button (265) andelectrodes (213, 215) may be in communication with cable (202) andcontrol unit (104) without the use of circuit board (208).

Translating body (262) is slidably contained within housing (232)between a deactivated position (as shown in FIG. 10) and an activatedposition (as shown in FIG. 11E). Translating body (262) includes adownward protrusion (264) configured to sufficiently depress tactileactivation button (265) to activate electrodes (213, 215) whiletranslating body is in the activated position. It should be understoodthat downward protrusion (264) does not depress tactile activationbutton (265) when translating body (262) is in the deactivated position.Therefore, electrodes (213, 215) are activated when translating body(262) is in the activated position; and electrodes (213, 215) aredeactivated when translating body (262) is in the deactivated position.Activation assembly (260) includes a biasing member (268) that biasestranslating body (262) into the deactivated position. Translating body(262) defines through holes (266) dimensioned to receive electricalcoupling wires (205), any suitable moving parts or firing assembly(250), or any other suitable components as would be apparent to onehaving ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As best seen in FIG. 10, a portion of translating body (262) extendsaway from housing (232) toward thumb ring (238) while in the deactivatedposition. Thumb ring (238) is dimensioned to drive translating body(262) from the deactivated position into the activated position inresponse to flexing of resilient arm (234) while jaws (212, 214) are inthe closed position. When thumb ring (238) drives translating body (262)into the activated position, depression of tactile activation button(265) emits a tactile feedback that may be felt by the operator, therebyindicating that electrodes (213, 215) are activated. Thumb ring (238)does not abut against the portion of translating body (292) extendingaway from housing (232) when resilient arm (234) is in the relaxedposition, such that spring (298) biases translating body (262) into thedeactivated position.

Therefore, the operator may pivot resilient arm (234) toward housing(232) while resilient arm (234) remains in the relaxed position tosuitably grasp tissue between jaws (212, 214) without activatingelectrode (213, 215). Once the operator desires to activate electrodes(213, 215), the operator may further pivot resilient arm (234) towardhousing (232) in order to flex resilient arm (234) such that thumb ring(238) drives translating body (262) into the activated position. Withresilient arm (234) in the flexed position, the closure force betweenjaws (212, 214) is sufficient such that electrodes (213, 215) maysuitably seal tissue grasped between jaws. Additionally, electrodes(213, 215) are activated since the flexing of resilient arm (234) allowsthumb ring (238) to drive translating body (292) into the activatedposition, thereby depressing activation button (265). In other words,activation assembly (260) may be configured to activate electrodes (213,215) when jaws (212, 214) provide a suitable closure force sufficientfor electrodes (213, 215) to properly seal tissue grasped between jaws(212, 214).

In some examples, activation button (265) may not activate electrodes(213, 215), but may simply generate a single to control unit (104)indicating jaws (212, 214) are suitably closed. In such examples,control unit (104) may then further indicate to the operator thatactivation button (265) is activated through any suitable means as wouldbe apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. For example, control unit (104) may emit an auditorytone in response to the signal generated by activation button (265).Control unit (104) may modify the auditory tone generated whenelectrodes (213, 215) are activated in response to receiving the signalgenerated by activation button (265). In such examples, an electrodeactivation assembly similar to electrode activation assembly (140) maybe incorporated into instrument (200). In other words, activation button(265) may alternately act as part of an indictor assembly.

In addition or in the alternative to acting as part of an indicatorassembly, activation button (265) may provide an electrical unlockingfeature, enabling some other user input feature (e.g., something like RFtrigger (142), etc.) to selectively activate electrodes (213, 215). Forinstance, such an RF-activating user input feature may be electricallylocked out, and thereby rendered effectively inoperable to activateelectrodes (213, 215), until activation button (265) is sufficientlyactuated. After activation button (265) is sufficiently actuated, andfor so long as activation button (265) is sufficiently actuated, theRF-activating user input feature may selectively activate electrodes(213, 215). After activation button (265) is no longer beingsufficiently actuated, the RF-activating user input feature may beelectrically locked out again, and thus again rendered effectivelyinoperable to activate electrodes (213, 215).

Thumb ring engagement assembly (270) includes a static base (272), tworesilient bodies (280) extending upwardly from static base (272), and acam body (282) located at the end of each resilient body (380). As willbe described in greater detail below, thumb ring engagement assembly(270) is configured to engage detents (239) of thumb ring (238) in orderto accidentally prevent the operator from accidentally activatingelectrodes (213, 215) while grasping tissue. Thumb ring engagementassembly (270) may also be configured to engage detents (239) in orderto indicate to the operator that thumb ring (238) is directly adjacentto translating body (262) such that further flexing of resilient arm(242) may depress tactile activation button (265) to activate electrodes(213, 215). Additionally, as will be described in greater detail below,thumb ring engagement assembly (270) may abut against detents (239)after thumb ring (238) is positioned directly adjacent to translatingbody (262) in order to reduce the force required to keep resilient arm(232) in the flexed position during exemplary use.

Static base (272) is fixed within the interior of housing (232) wheninstrument (200) is assembled. Static base (272) defines a hole (274)that slidably receives a portion of translating body (262). Therefore,translating body (262) may actuate relative to static base (272) inaccordance with the description herein. Resilient bodies (280) areconnected to and extend upwardly from static base (272). In a naturallyresting position, resilient bodies (280) extend substantially parallelwith corresponding portions of translating body (262), however this ismerely optional. Resilient bodies (280) may flex relative to static base(272) away from translating body (262) from the naturally restingposition to an outwardly extending position in response to an externalforce. Resilient bodies (280) are sufficiently flexible that resilientbodies may return to the naturally resting position when an externalforce is no longer present.

Each resilient body (280) terminates into a respective cam body (282).While resilient bodies (280) extend adjacent to corresponding portionsof translating body (262), cam bodies (282) are located abovetranslating body (262). Cam bodies (282) each include a first camsurface (284) and a second cam surface (286). As will be described ingreater detail below, laterally presented detents (239) are dimensionedto engage first cam surface (284) as thumb ring (238) moves towardactivating translating body (262); while laterally presented detents(238) are dimensioned to engage second cam surface (286) as thumb ring(238) moves away from translating body (262). During exemplary use,engagement between first cam surface (284) and detents (239) may forcethe operator to push down on resilient arm (234) and/or thumb ring (238)with a sufficient force to move thumb ring (238) past first cam surface(284) to a position directly adjacent to translating body; as well asprovide tactile feedback that further movement of thumb ring (238)toward translating body (262) will activate electrodes (213, 215). Alsoduring exemplary use, engagement between second cam surface (286) anddetents (238) may reduce the closure force required for the operator tomaintain resilient arm (234) in the flexed position while being directlyadjacent to translating body (262) in the deactivated position.

FIGS. 11A-11G show an exemplary use of activation assembly (260) inorder to activate electrodes (213, 215) to seal tissue grasped betweenjaws (212, 214). FIG. 11A shows thumb ring (238) in a positioncorresponding with resilient arm (232) in the relaxed position (similarto that shown of resilient arm (134) in FIG. 3B). At this moment, jaws(212, 214) may be in the closed position suitably grasping tissue orsubstantially in the closed position. Thumb ring (238) is in a positionsuch that detents (239) are above respective cam bodies (282). It shouldbe understood that at this moment, translating body (262) is in thedeactivated position such that electrodes (213, 215) are deactivated. Inexamples where activation button (265) generates a signal to controlunit (104) when activated, translating body (262) is in the positionwhere activation button (265) does not generate the signal.

Next, the operator may further pivot resilient arm (234) toward housing(232) such that thumb ring (238) is in the position shown in FIG. 11B.At this position, detents (239) initially contact first cam surface(284) such that resilient bodies (280) remain in the naturally restingposition. At this moment, arm (234) may have initially begun to flex ormay be in the relaxed position such that any further movement towardhousing (232) would cause arm (234) to flex. Again, translating body(262) remains in the deactivated position such that electrodes (213,215) remain deactivated. In examples where activation button (265)generates a signal to control unit (104) when activated, translatingbody (262) is in the position where activation button (265) does notgenerate the signal.

Next, the operator may further pivot resilient arm (234) toward housing(232) such that thumb ring (238) is in the position shown in FIG. 11C.At this position, detents (239) engage first cam surface (284) such thatresilient bodies (280) flex away from both translating body (262) andthumb ring (238). At this moment, resilient arm (234) is in a flexedposition such that the resilient nature of arm (234) urges arm (234)toward the relaxed position where thumb ring (238) is further away fromtranslating body (262). However, the operator is pressing downwardly onarm (234) or thumb ring (238) with sufficient force to overcome theresilient nature of arm (234) as well overcome to force required to flexresilient bodies (280) away from both translating body (262) and thumbring (238). Again, translating body (262) still remains in thedeactivated position such that electrodes (213, 215) remain deactivated.In examples where activation button (265) generates a signal to controlunit (104) when activated, translating body (262) is in the positionwhere activation button (265) does not generate the signal.

Next, the operator may further pivot resilient arm (234) toward housing(232) such that thumb ring (238) is in the position shown in FIG. 11D.At this position, Thumb ring (238) has partially actuated translatingbody (262) such that downward protrusion (264) is about to fully depresstactile activation button (265). Also, detents (239) have cleared firstcam surface (284) such that resilient bodies (280) return to thenaturally resting position. When resilient bodies (280) return to thenatural resting position, cam bodies (282) may snap against thumb ring(238) providing tactile feedback to the operator. Therefore, theoperator may be aware that detents (239) cleared first cam surfaces(284). The operator may also be aware that any further pivoting ofresilient arm (234) towards housing (232) may activate electrodes (213,215) by depressing activation button (265).

In examples where activation button (265) generates a signal to controlunit (104) when activated, the operator may be aware that any furtherpivoting of resilient arm (234) towards housing (232) may causeactivation button (265) to generate the signal to control unit (104). Insome examples, activation button (265) may be entirely omitted such thatan electrode activation assembly similar to electrode activationassembly (140) is incorporated. In such instances, the tactile feedbackprovided by the snapping back of resilient bodies (280) when detents(239) clear first cam surface (284) may indicate to the operator thatjaws (212, 214) are suitably closed such that activation of electrode(213, 215) may properly seal tissue captured between jaws (212, 214).

Additionally, at the moment shown in FIG. 11D, resilient arm (234) is inthe flexed position such that the resilient nature of arm (234) urgesarm (234) toward the relaxed position where thumb ring (238) is furtheraway from translating body (262). However, the operator may pressdownward on arm (234) or thumb ring (238) with sufficient force toovercome the resilient nature of arm (234), keeping arm (234) in theflexed position. After long periods of keeping resilient arm (234) inthe flexed position, the operator may be come fatigued. However, detents(239) are in contact with second cam surface (286) such that the contactbetween detents (239) and second cam surface (286) may help support theoperator in keeping resilient arm (234) in the flexed position. In otherwords, the contact between detents (239) and second cam surface (286)may reduce the amount of downward force required by the operator to keeparm (234) in the flexed position. The resilient nature of arm (234) maybe strong enough to overcome the force provided by the contact betweendetents and second cam surface (286) such that if the operator let go ofthumb ring (238), the resilient nature of arm (234) would force detents(239) to flex resilient bodies (280) outwardly such that resilient arm(234) would return to the natural position. In other words, the downwardforce provided by contact between detents (239) and second cam surface(286) may not be sufficient to keep resilient arm (234) in the flexedposition all by itself

Next, as shown in FIG. 11E, the operator may further flex resilient arm(234) such that thumb ring (238) drives translating body (262) to theactivated position. Therefore, downward protrusion (264) fully depressestactile activation button (265) such that electrodes (213, 215) areactivated. Additionally, tactile activation button (265) transmits atactile response to the operator in order to confirm activation ofelectrodes (213, 215). With resilient arm (234) in the flexed position,the closure force provided by jaws (212, 214) is also sufficient forsuitably sealing tissue with activated electrodes (213, 215). Theoperator may hold thumb ring (238) down for a suitable time such thatactivated electrodes (213, 215) may seal tissue grasped between jaws(212, 214). In examples where activation button (265) generates a signalto control unit (104) when activated, translating body (262) is in theposition where activation button (265) does generate the signal.

When the operator no longer desires to activate electrodes (213, 215),the operator may release all or some downward force on thumb ring (238)and/or resilient body (234) such that biasing member (268) pushesdownward protrusion (264) of translating body (262) away from tactileactivation button (265). Tactile activation button (265) may alsoprovide a tactile response when button (265) is no longer beingdepressed such that the operator may be aware electrodes (213, 215) areno longer activated. The operator may slightly decrease the downwardforce provided on thumb ring (238) to return thumb ring (238) to theposition shown in FIG. 11D, such that contact between detents (239) andsecond cam surface (286) help reduce the amount of downward forcerequired to keep resilient arm (234) in the flexed position.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11F, the operator may decrease thedownward force provided on thumb ring (238) such that the resilientnature of arm (234) urges arm (234) to the relaxed position, therebypushing thumb ring (238) upward such that detents (239) slide alongsecond cam surface (286) to flex resilient bodies (280) outwardly. Asbest shown in FIG. 11G, when detents (239) clear second cam surface(286), resilient bodies (280) may return to the natural relaxed positionand thumb ring (238) may return to the position associated withresilient arm (234) in the relaxed position.

FIGS. 12-13B show an alternative end effector (310) that may be used inreplaced of end effectors (110, 210) described above. End effector (310)is substantially similar to end effectors (110, 210) described above,with differences elaborated below. Therefore, end effector (310)includes a first jaw (312), a second jaw (314), a first electrode 313),a second electrode (315), a pivot pin (318), and knife (320); which aresubstantially similar to first jaw (212), second jaw (214), firstelectrode (213), second electrode (215), pivot pin (218), and knife(220) described above, respectively. Therefore, first electrode (313)and second electrode (315) define a pathway (316) configured to receivea knife (320). First jaw (312) extends proximally into housing (332)while second jaw (314) extends proximally into resilient arm (334).

Housing (332) and resilient arm (334) are substantially similar tohousing (232) and resilient arm (234) described above, respectively,with differences elaborated below. In particular, housing (332) includesan upwardly extending protrusion (226) while resilient arm (334) definesa corresponding alignment cavity (338). As best seen in FIG. 13A-13B,upwardly extending protrusion (326) is dimension to fit within theconfines of alignment cavity (338) when jaws (312, 314) are in theclosed position in order to promote lateral alignment of jaws (312, 314)in the closed position.

III. Exemplary Combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in whichthe teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understoodthat the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage ofany claims that may be presented at any time in this application or insubsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. Thefollowing examples are being provided for nothing more than merelyillustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachingsherein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is alsocontemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred toin the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or featuresreferred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitlyindicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor ininterest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in thisapplication or in subsequent filings related to this application thatinclude additional features beyond those referred to below, thoseadditional features shall not be presumed to have been added for anyreason relating to patentability.

EXAMPLE 1

A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein the endeffector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jaw pivotably coupledwith the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operable to move betweenan open position and a closed position, (iii) a knife configured toactuate between a pre-fired position and a fired position, (iv) anelectrode assembly configured to apply RF energy to tissue; (b) a handleassembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises: (i) a housingassociated with the first jaw, and (ii) an arm associated with thesecond jaw, wherein the arm is configured to pivot the second jawbetween the open position and the closed position, wherein the arm isconfigured to pivot relative to the housing between a first position, asecond position, and a third position; and (c) an electrode activationassembly comprising: (i) an activation button associated with the handleassembly, wherein the activation button is configured to activate theelectrode assembly in response to the arm pivoting to the thirdposition, (ii) a resilient body comprising a first cam feature, and(iii) a detent associated with either the housing or the arm, whereinthe detent is configured to engage the first cam feature as the armpivots between the first position and the second position.

EXAMPLE 2

The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the arm comprises aresilient member, wherein the resilient member is configured totransition between a relaxed configuration and a flexed configurationwhile the second jaw is in the closed configuration.

EXAMPLE 3

The surgical instrument of Example 2, wherein the resilient member isconfigured to be in the flexed configuration in the second position andin the third position.

Example 4

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 3,wherein the resilient body comprises a second cam feature.

EXAMPLE 5

The surgical instrument of Example 4, wherein the detent is configuredto abut against the second cam feature while the arm is in the secondposition.

EXAMPLE 6

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Example 1 through 5,wherein the resilient body is coupled with the housing.

EXAMPLE 7

The surgical instrument of Example 6, wherein detent is coupled with thearm.

EXAMPLE 8

The surgical instrument of Example 7, wherein the arm further comprisesa thumb ring, wherein the detent is coupled with the thumb ring.

EXAMPLE 9

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 8,wherein the activation button is configured to actuate relative to theresilient body.

EXAMPLE 10

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 9,wherein the activation button comprises a tactile button coupled withthe housing and an actuating body slidably coupled with the housing.

EXAMPLE 11

The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the actuating bodydefines a through hole.

EXAMPLE 12

The surgical instrument of Example 11, further comprising an electricalwire coupled with the electrode assembly, wherein the electrical wireextends through the through hole defined by the actuating body.

EXAMPLE 13

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 12,wherein the resilient body is coupled to a static body fixed to thehousing.

EXAMPLE 14

The surgical instrument of Example 13, wherein the resilient bodydefines an opening, wherein the activation button is slidably disposedwithin the opening.

EXAMPLE 15

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 1 through 14,wherein the activation button comprises a resilient member biasing theactivation button to a position associated with the electrodes beingdeactivated.

EXAMPLE 16

A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein the endeffector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jaw pivotably coupledwith the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operable to move betweenan open position and a closed position, (iii) a knife configured toactuate between a pre-fired position and a fired position, (iv) anelectrode assembly configured to apply RF energy to tissue; (b) a handleassembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises: (i) a housingassociated with the first jaw, and (ii) an arm associated with thesecond jaw, wherein the arm is configured to pivot the second jawbetween the open position and the closed position, wherein the arm isconfigured to pivot relative to the housing between a first position, asecond position, and a third position; and (c) an arm engagementassembly comprising: (i) a resilient body comprising a first camfeature, and (ii) a detent associated with the arm, wherein the detentis configured to engage the first cam feature as the arm pivots betweenthe first position and the second position.

EXAMPLE 17

The surgical instrument of Example 16, wherein the detent is configuredto drive the resilient body from a natural position to a flexed positionwhile engaging the first cam feature, wherein the resilient body isconfigured to provide tactile feedback in response to the arm reachingthe second position.

EXAMPLE 18

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 16 through 17,wherein the detent is configured to engage the first cam feature whilethe arm is in the second position, wherein the first cam feature and thedetent are configured to resist the arm from pivoting toward the firstposition while engaged with each other.

EXAMPLE 19

The surgical instrument of any one or more of Examples 16 through 18,further comprising an indicator assembly, where the arm in configured totransition between the second position and a third position, wherein theindictor assembly is configured to generate a signal in response to thearm reaching the third position.

EXAMPLE 20

A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein the endeffector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jaw pivotably coupledwith the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operable to move betweenan open position and a closed position, (iii) a knife configured toactuate between a pre-fired position and a fired position, and (iv) anelectrode assembly configured to apply RF energy to tissue; (b) a handleassembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises: (i) a housingassociated with the first jaw, and (ii) an arm associated with thesecond jaw, wherein the arm is configured to pivot the second jawbetween the open position and the closed position, wherein the arm isconfigured to pivot relative to the housing between a first position, asecond position, and a third position; and (c) an electrode activationassembly comprising: (i) an activation button coupled with the housing,wherein the activation button is configured to activate the electrodeassembly in response to the arm pivoting to the third position, (ii) anactuating body slidably coupled with the housing, wherein the actuatingbody is configured to trigger the activation button in response to thearm pivoting to the third position, (iii) a resilient body comprising afirst cam feature and a second cam feature, wherein the resilient bodyis configured to move between a natural position and a flexed position,and (iv) a detent associated with the arm, wherein the detent isconfigured to engage the first cam feature as the arm pivots between thefirst position and the second position thereby driving the resilientbody into the flexed position, wherein the resilient body is configuredto move toward the natural position while the arm is in the thirdposition.

IV. Miscellaneous

It should also be understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Theabove-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

Further, any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments,examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more ofthe teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described inU.S. App. No. [Atty. Ref. END8550USNP], entitled “Method and Apparatusfor Open Electrosurgical Shears,” filed on even date herewith; U.S. App.No. [Atty. Ref. END8551USNP], entitled “Electrosurgical Shears withKnife Lock and Clamp-Actuated Switch,” filed on even date herewith; U.S.App. No. [Atty. Ref. END8552USNP], entitled “Knife Drive Assembly forElectrosurgical Shears,” filed on even date herewith; U.S. App. No.[Atty. Ref. END8553USNP], entitled “Knife Auto-Return Assembly forElectrosurgical Shears,” filed on even date herewith; U.S. App. No.[Atty. Ref. END8554USNP], entitled “Compound Screw Knife Drive forElectrosurgical Shears,” filed on even date herewith; U.S. App. No.[Atty. Ref. END8555USNP], entitled “Firing and Lockout Assembly forKnife for Electrosurgical Shears,” filed on even date herewith; and U.S.App. No. [Atty. Ref. END8557USNP], entitled “Latching Clamp Ann forElectrosurgical Shears,” filed on even date herewith. The disclosure ofeach of these applications is incorporated by reference herein.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A surgical instrument, comprising: (a) an endeffector, wherein the end effector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) asecond jaw operable to move relative to the first jaw between an openposition and a closed position, and (iii) an electrode assembly; (b) ahandle assembly, comprising: (i) a first body associated with the firstjaw, and (ii) a second body associated with the second jaw, wherein thesecond body is configured to actuate the second jaw between the openposition and the closed position, wherein the second body is configuredto actuate relative to the first body between a first position, a secondposition, and a third position; and (c) an electrode activationassembly, comprising: (i) an activation component associated with thefirst body of the handle assembly, wherein the activation component isconfigured to activate the electrode assembly of the end effector isresponse to the second body actuating relative to the first body fromthe second position into the third position, (ii) a resilient bodycomprising a first cam feature, and (iii) a detent associated witheither the first body or the second body, wherein the detent isconfigured to engage the first cam feature while the second body is inthe second position to thereby inhibit the second body from actuatinginto the first position
 22. The surgical instrument of claim 21, whereinthe second position is in between the first position and the thirdposition.
 23. The surgical instrument of claim 21, wherein the secondbody comprises an arm terminating proximally into a thumb ring.
 24. Thesurgical instrument of claim 23, wherein the detent is associated withthe thumb ring, wherein the resilient body is associated with the firstbody.
 25. The surgical instrument of claim 23, wherein the arm comprisesa resilient material.
 26. The surgical instrument of claim 25, whereinthe arm is configured to flex between the second position and the thirdposition.
 27. The surgical instrument of claim 21, wherein the endeffector further comprises a knife configured to actuate between apre-fired position and a fired position.
 28. The surgical instrument ofclaim 21, further comprising a firing assembly associated with the firstbody of the handle assembly, wherein the first assembly is configured toactuate the knife between the pre-fired position and the fired position.29. The surgical instrument of claim 28, wherein the firing assemblycomprises a trigger slidably attached to the first body.
 30. Thesurgical instrument of claim 29, wherein the firing assembly comprises apinion configured to convert proximal translation of the trigger intodistal translation of the knife.
 31. The surgical instrument of claim30, wherein the firing assembly further comprises a first rack coupledto the trigger and a second rack coupled to the knife.
 32. The surgicalinstrument of claim 21, wherein the electrode activation assemblycomprises a sliding body interposed between the second body and theactivation component.
 33. The surgical instrument of claim 32, whereinthe activation component of the electrode activation assembly comprisesa button.
 34. The surgical instrument of claim 32, wherein the slidingbody is biased away from the button via a spring.
 35. The surgicalinstrument of claim 21, wherein the first body comprises a finger grip.36. A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein theend effector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jaw coupled withthe first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operable to move between anopen position and a closed position, and (iii) an electrode assembly;(b) a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises: (i) ahousing associated with the first jaw, and (ii) an arm associated withthe second jaw, wherein the arm is configured to move the second jawbetween the open position and the closed position, wherein the arm isconfigured to move relative to the housing between a first position, asecond position, and a third position, wherein the second position isinterposed between the first position and the third position, whereinthe electrode assembly is configured to activate in response to the armreaching the third position; and (c) an arm engagement assemblycomprising: (i) a resilient body comprising a first cam feature, and(ii) a detent associated with the arm, wherein the detent is configuredto engage the first cam feature in the second position to therebyinhibit the arm from moving toward the first position.
 37. The surgicalinstrument of claim 36, wherein the arm is configured to flex in orderto move between the second position and the third position.
 38. Thesurgical instrument of claim 36, wherein the surgical instrument furthercomprises a knife configured to actuated through the first jaw and thesecond jaw in the closed position.
 39. The surgical instrument of claim36, wherein the second jaw is configured to remain in the closedposition while the arm moves between the second position and the thirdposition.
 40. A surgical instrument comprising: (a) an end effector,wherein the end effector comprises: (i) a first jaw, (ii) a second jawcoupled with the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is operable to movebetween an open position and a closed position, and (iii) an electrodeassembly; (b) a handle assembly, wherein the handle assembly comprises:(i) a housing associated with the first jaw, and (ii) a resilient armassociated with the second jaw, wherein the resilient arm is configuredto move the second jaw between the open position and the closedposition, wherein the resilient arm is configured to move relative tothe housing between a first position, a second position, and a thirdposition, wherein the resilient arm is configured to flex while in thesecond position and the third position such that the second jaw remainsin the closed position while the resilient arm is in both the secondposition and the third position; and (c) an arm engagement assemblycomprising: (i) a resilient body comprising a first cam feature, and(ii) a detent configured to engage the first cam feature in the secondposition to thereby inhibit the arm from moving toward the firstposition.